BJP looking to gain ground in Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley

After a good show in Jammu region in recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP is trying to gain ground in Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley roping in several members of the community into its fold.

Last month, over two dozen Muslims, including women, belonging to various political outfits, joined the BJP, party leaders said.

Among the new entrants was daughter of Muhammad Shafi Bhat, a former National Conference legislator from Srinagar, BJP state vice-president Ramesh Arora said.

Hina Bhat, a dental surgeon, joined the BJP in presence of party's national general secretary JP Nadda here. Bhat said the failure of regional parties in delivering governance and justice to the people forced her to join the BJP.

"I am satisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashmir policy. When he was asked about the issue, his reply was clear that he sees Kashmir through the prism of humanity," she said.

Valley-based journalist Khalid Jehangir and retired IGP Farooq Ahmad Khan had joined the party at a rally in Jammu before the elections.

"People know that our focus is on development of Jammu and Kashmir. We are very clear on this," Arora told PTI.

He said there have been many misconceptions about the BJP especially in the Valley, and the party is "moving forward to set them right".

Another party leader Ashok Koul said misconceptions among people about Modi and the BJP have been removed after they saw and heard Modi.

Today, an entire unit of Janata Dal (United), including 19 Muslims, joined the BJP and vowed to make it more vibrant.

On article 370, Arora said: "First, we wanted it to be scrapped, but now we are saying let us have a debate over it and see its merits and de-merits. People feel there is no harm in having a debate over the issue."